Bucs' Davis Learns That Less Is Better Tampa Bay's New Defensive System Hails Team Unity Over The Individual

August 8, 1985|By Jerry Greene of The Sentinel Staff

TAMPA — Sitting on the training-room table, Jeff Davis swung his muscular legs and smiled at the thought of how strange things can be. If Davis were to continue improving as a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he would have to prove it this season by making fewer tackles than he did in 1984.

''Yeah, that's true,'' Davis said, kicking at the idea after leading the team in tackles for two seasons. ''I could play better this year and not have as many tackles. Matter of fact, if I do play better, I won't have as many -- but that's hard for me to grasp.''

For the Buccaneers' defense, everything about the team's 10th season seems strange. A new coaching staff has installed a new system that demands team unity over individual heroics. The goal is a major overhaul of the Bucs' defensive machine that rarely operated smoothly in 1984.

Last season was a shock for the defense. For the first time in team history it was the offense that clicked and the defense that allowed one game after another to slip into the loss column. Rated third just two years before, the defense slipped to 20th during the 6-10 season.

And that was just the start of the bad news. The real shocker was last month when everyone found out that a back injury probably will prevent All-Pro end Lee Roy Selmon from playing his 10th season -- and may have ended his brilliant career. If that weren't enough, inside linebacker Scot Brantley is not practicing because of a shoulder injury and may have to be replaced, too. Just to complete the picture, there's the secondary that has three players over 30. And there's the defensive line that supposedly needed a new starting end before Selmon's injury was revealed. Only at linebacker, Davis' position, do the Bucs seem to have enough depth and talent to start a new year with a new defense.

So why is Davis smiling?

''I'm smiling because I'm excited. All the guys on defense are excited. Write what you will, but we are going to be a good defense. Best of all, we are going to be an intimidating defense.''

Davis rolled the word ''intimidating'' around in his mouth like a fine cigar that has yet to be lit. He grinned in anticipation of striking the match.

''It's a good feeling to intimidate,'' said Davis, who made 165 hits in 16 games last season. ''The Big Hit. It leads to fumbles, sacks, interceptions and points for us. Eleven guys making the hit instead of just one, that's what it's all about. That's intimidation.''

One fact is apparent at practice. The defensive plan introduced by Coach Leeman Bennett and defensive coordinator Doug Shively is more demanding than any concept the team has used before. Essentially, it's a zone defense for all 11 players. Each man is asked to protect his zone first -- and then be in on the tackle no matter where it takes place.

It's a defense that demands running -- all the time -- by everybody.

''Ball! Ball! Ball!'' scream the defensive coaches on every practice play. Protect your area and stop the ball if it comes your way. But if doesn't come your way, find it and be the second or third or fourth or fifth man to hit the guy with it.

''They the coaches want you in your gap,'' Davis said. ''Your first job is to defend your area, and if everybody is where he belongs, there's nowhere to run. Then you run, and you get in on the tackle. Nobody is walking out here.'' Still, problems exist, noticeably the loss of Selmon. ''You hate to lose a guy like Lee Roy,'' Davis said. ''He's a great man and a great player. But it happens, and you go on.''

Will the Bucs' defense improve in 1985? Jeff Davis believes it -- even if it means sharing his tackles with 10 other guys. Make that especially if it means sharing his tackles.